UAE Emirates Villages Run series heads to Ras Al Khaimah after Masfout round

Ajman: The Emirates Villages Run series brought together participants of different ages and abilities, including People of Determination, during its latest round in Masfout. The event, organised by the Emirates Council for Balanced Development under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, brought together broad community participation across all age groups, including People of Determination. The races concluded with an awards ceremony honouring the winners, attended by Mohamed Khalifa Al Kaabi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, alongside officials from various entities and councils across the UAE. The programme featured three distances catering to different abilities and age groups: a 1.5-kilometre Family Run, a 5-kilometre Community Run and a 10-kilometre Competitive Run. Held under the slogan “Discover Emirates Villages - One Run at a Time”, the second edition of the series is being organised in partnership with ADNOC and comprises seven races across seven villages in the UAE’s seven emirates. The series combines physical activity with opportunities to explore the natural, cultural and heritage attractions of Emirati villages. Activities accompanying the Masfout round included Emirati heritage performances introducing participants and visitors to local traditions and highlighting national identity, adding a cultural dimension to the sporting event and supporting tourism in the host villages. The Emirates Council for Balanced Development said the series supports initiatives encouraging people to participate in sport and adopt healthy, active lifestyles. It also aims to promote participation, volunteering and social responsibility, contributing to quality of life and local development. The Masfout event followed four previous rounds held in Qidfa in Fujairah, Lahbab in Dubai, Wadi Al Helo in Sharjah and Falaj Al Mualla in Umm Al Qaiwain. The sixth round will be held in Al Rams, Ras Al Khaimah, on 28 November, followed by the seventh and final round in Al Shuwaib, Abu Dhabi, on 5 December. The series aims to showcase Emirati villages and their attractions while supporting local tourism and economic activity.